CONCLUSIONS ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE ... - UNHCR
CONCLUSIONS ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE ... - UNHCR
CONCLUSIONS ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE ... - UNHCR
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2009 (Executive Committee—60 th Session)<br />
No. 109 (LX) - CONCLUSION ON PROTRACTED REFUGEE SITUATIONS (2009)<br />
The Executive Committee,<br />
Recalling the principles, guidance and approaches elaborated in previous Conclusions of the Executive<br />
Committee which are pertinent to protracted situations,<br />
Welcoming the initiatives taken by the High Commissioner to maximize all opportunities to unlock and find<br />
comprehensive solutions to the existing protracted refugee situations, including the convening in 2008 of a High<br />
Commissioner’s Dialogue on Protection Challenges on the specific topic of protracted refugee situations,<br />
Noting with deep concern the plight of millions of refugees worldwide who continue to be trapped in “protracted<br />
refugee situations” for 5 years or more after their initial displacement, without immediate prospects for<br />
implementation of durable solutions,<br />
Noting with concern the detrimental effects of long-lasting and intractable exile on the physical, mental, social,<br />
cultural and economic well-being of refugees,<br />
Recognizing that priorities for responding to protracted refugee situations are different from those for<br />
responding to emergency situations,<br />
Further recalling the need for the countries of origin to undertake all possible measures to prevent refugee<br />
situations, particularly those that can become protracted, to address their root causes, and to promote and<br />
facilitate with the full cooperation of host countries, the international community, <strong>UNHCR</strong>, and all other<br />
relevant actors, refugees' voluntary return home from exile and their sustainable reintegration in safety, dignity<br />
and social and economic security,<br />
Recognizing that, in principle, all refugees should have the right to have restored to them or be compensated for<br />
any housing, land or property of which they were deprived in an illegal, discriminatory or arbitrary manner<br />
before or during exile; noting, therefore, the potential need for fair and effective restitution mechanisms,<br />
Acknowledging that protracted refugee situations also impose considerable burdens and generate significant<br />
problems and challenges in different sectors for host States and communities which are often developing, in<br />
transition, or with limited resources and facing other constraints,<br />
Affirming that support should be provided for addressing the problems and needs of the host States, especially<br />
the local host communities, which face additional social and economic difficulties and suffer negative<br />
consequences to their local environment and natural resources,<br />
Expressing deep appreciation for the generosity, commitment and determination which these States nevertheless<br />
continue to demonstrate in hosting refugees and asylum-seekers, providing protection and facilitating essential<br />
humanitarian interventions on their behalf, in keeping with international refugee law, international human rights<br />
law and international humanitarian law as applicable,<br />
Thanking those States which have taken measures to bring to an end some of the most enduring refugee<br />
situations including through concrete support to the voluntary return to the country of origin, local integration,<br />
the provision of resettlement places; and the acquisition of citizenship through naturalization where this has<br />
taken place,<br />
Acknowledging that, while awaiting the implementation of a durable solution, refugees may make positive<br />
contributions to their host societies drawing on opportunities to become self-reliant and noting the importance of<br />
participatory approaches in this regard,<br />
Noting the importance of refugee access to basic services, including education and health, in order to enhance<br />
their opportunities,<br />
Further acknowledging that in times of global financial and economic crises, the impacts are severe for the most<br />
vulnerable, not least refugees in protracted situations and their host countries, and the need to give special<br />
attention to those who are most affected by the crises is therefore all the greater,<br />
Underlining that the status quo is not an acceptable option and, while every situation is unique, all feasible and<br />
practical efforts should be taken to unlock all continuing protracted situations especially through the<br />
implementation of durable solutions in the spirit of international solidarity and burden sharing,<br />
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